As a general rule the work coach discusses voluntary work with the claimant, recognising and encouraging volunteering as an excellent way of preparing for work and improving the claimant’s CV.

If a claimant is volunteering – the number of hours a claimant is spending on voluntary work can be offset against the number of expected hours of work search and work preparation activities the claimant must carry out. Usually on Universal Credit, the expectation is that a claimant will be job searching for 35 hours per week, unless their work coach decides that this can be changed. Therefore as an example if a claimant was volunteering for 10 hours per week they would be expected to job search for 25 hours, in order to retain eligibility for UC.

The maximum number of hours which can be offset against job searching is 50% of the total. So if a claimant has the standard job search expectation of 35 hours then we can offset a maximum of 17.5 hours. This does not stop claimants doing more than 17.5 hours – they can do more if they wish but the balance over 17.5 is “in their own time” as it were. We would still expect to see evidence of 17.5 hours job searching.”

Supported Volunteering

For whatever reason, people who wish to volunteer may feel nervous about starting work. In this case, we are able to offer extra support so as to find the most suitable role to match both their interests and needs.

If a volunteer feels nervous about working in a new environment, we can also provide them with extra advice and guidance.

Talks to local groups

We can provide talks on the benefits of volunteering and have worked with Chester Aid to the Homeless, Northgate Locks, The Queen’s School, The Recovery College, Abbey Gate School, and Bridge Foyer.